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Interview with novelist David Stearman

Me: I was born and raised in upstate New York, have never been surfing, or to Mexico, and I’ve never spent more than a few days in a major city in my life. Your novel, Hummingbird really took me on an adventure. I also enjoyed watching Lexa grow and change through the course of her journey.

David, give us the lowdown on your novel, Hummingbird.

David: Hummingbird is the story of a “taker” becoming a “giver.” Lexa Morales, to save her brother from a gang execution, robs a Southern California grocery store and then flees to Mexico to escape the police. There, while being pursued by an American bounty hunter, she comes to the end of her rope and reaches out to God. As a result of this encounter, she begins helping others and earns the nickname “Colibrí,” or “Hummingbird”–a reference to a local proverb about the Hummingbird being a creature that makes its living by giving. Her change in lifestyle and identity eventually opens the door to a new life of acquittal and freedom. But she has to fight for it, and the battle becomes deadly.

Me: What made you decide to write Hummingbird mainly from a woman’s perspective?

David: At least half of my books are written from a woman’s perspective. I grew up with three sisters and have been married most of my life, so I guess this just comes naturally. I’d have to be blind and ignorant to be unaware that a woman can do anything that a man can, and in my stories, as in true life, that’s exactly what they do.

Me: In your author’s bio, you said you like to travel. Where have you been, what’s your favorite destination?

David: Well, I do a lot of missions work, so, let’s see…France, Spain, Estonia, Peru, the Philippines … but oddly enough, my favorite of all is Mexico. It’s one of the most colorful, flavorful, and naturally beautiful countries in the world. Especially if you love beaches.

Me: Do you have a second novel in the works? Can you give us a preview?

David: I recently completed a story called Hot, about a teenager who makes it big in the music biz. As a veteran of the recording industry, I feel this story is as much a journey to an exotic land as Hummingbird is. But my protagonist soon discovers that Fame is not all it’s cracked up to be; that the Entertainment World is fraught with temptation, treachery, and danger. Now, all he wants is to be out of it and back with the girl he left at home. But when your name is a household word, escape is virtually impossible. Or is it?

Me: Sounds great. I can’t wait to read it. I think it’s about time for some cultural exchange. Care to get us in the mood for Hummingbird with a favorite Mexican recipe?

David: For an easy one that you can make in minutes for breakfast, try Huevos Rancheros:

Lay a corn tortilla on a plate; cover it with refried beans and a little El Pato (a sauce you can find in most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, use enchilada sauce), lay a couple over-easy eggs on top of this, smother it with fairly hot salsa, and top it all off with shredded Monterey Jack. Put all this in the microwave for 50 seconds to heat the beans, salsa, and tortilla, and melt the cheese, and you’re done. Easy-peasy. It’s once of the quickest, and best, breakfasts I know.